CHIEFS FACING OFFENSIVE MAKEOVER: Can Francis Mauigoa Be the Answer to Protecting Patrick Mahomes in 2026?

KANSAS CITY — The Kansas City Chiefs are staring down a crucial offseason, with several needs to address, most notably on the offensive side of the ball. While much of the focus has been on the team’s running back situation, it’s impossible to overlook the pressing need to improve Patrick Mahomes’ protection. In 2025, Mahomes was under constant pressure, and it showed.

Through 14 games, Mahomes was sacked a staggering 34 times, just three shy of his career-high. With three games left to play, had Mahomes not been injured, the Chiefs’ franchise quarterback could have easily surpassed his own record for sacks allowed in a season. This isn’t just a concerning statistic; it’s a clear warning sign that Kansas City must prioritize improving their offensive line if they’re going to keep Mahomes upright and healthy for the long haul.

A Need for Protection: Can the Chiefs Fix Mahomes’ Offensive Line?

Mahomes is the centerpiece of the Chiefs’ offense, but he’s only as effective as the protection around him. The Chiefs’ offensive line was exposed throughout 2025, and it’s no secret that the team needs to bolster their front five to make sure Mahomes doesn’t spend another season running for his life. A strong offensive line is essential to not only keeping Mahomes healthy but also allowing the team to establish a more balanced attack—especially in the running game.

This offseason, the Chiefs have a couple of routes they can take to solidify their offensive line: free agency and the draft. Free agency could bring in a seasoned veteran to help patch the holes, but the draft offers an opportunity to secure a young, dynamic player who can make an immediate impact.

One player who has been linked to the Chiefs in mock drafts is Francis Mauigoa, the standout Miami tackle who has quickly become one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Francis Mauigoa: A Potential First-Round Pick for the Chiefs?

According to PFF’s Dalton Wasserman, the Chiefs are in prime position to select Mauigoa with their first-round pick. Mauigoa is a physical presence on the field, with a well-rounded skill set that could make him a key piece in Kansas City’s offensive line overhaul. Wasserman notes that Kansas City is facing a tough salary cap situation this offseason, and with the future of right tackle Jawaan Taylor uncertain—Taylor has no guaranteed salary remaining on his contract—the Chiefs might find themselves in a position where they need to find a new solution at right tackle.

Mauigoa, who impressed in his 2025 season by leading all qualified right tackles in pass-blocking grade, could be exactly what the Chiefs need. Not only is he a dominant presence in the run game, but his ability to shut down pass rushers makes him a perfect fit for a team that’s spent too much time watching Mahomes scramble.

Wasserman adds, “With or without Taylor, Kansas City needs to upgrade its offensive line. Miami’s Francis Mauigoa would add a physical presence in the run game and is coming off a 2025 season in which he led all qualified right tackles in pass-blocking grade.”

Will Francis Mauigoa Solve the Chiefs’ Offensive Line Issues?

The Chiefs’ offensive line has been a topic of conversation for years, with the 2021 Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers highlighting how easily Mahomes can be overwhelmed when his protection breaks down. Despite efforts to rebuild the line, including the acquisition of Joe Thuney and Orlando Brown Jr., Mahomes continued to face pressure in 2025.

Mauigoa, however, could be the solution. His pass-blocking prowess could provide Mahomes with the security he needs to operate at his best. A stable offensive line would allow the Chiefs to run a more diverse offense—focusing not just on Mahomes’ explosive passing game but also on a more consistent running game to keep defenses honest.

If the Chiefs take Mauigoa in the first round, the hope is that he can immediately step in and solidify the right tackle position, giving Mahomes the protection he needs to stay healthy and perform at an MVP level.

The Rest of the Chiefs’ Offense: A Potential Overhaul

While the offensive line is undoubtedly the biggest priority, there are other question marks surrounding the Chiefs’ offense heading into 2026. Travis Kelce, Mahomes’ go-to target, could be on the way out, leaving a massive void in the passing game. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are also free agents, meaning the running back room could look drastically different next season.

Eric Bieniemy’s return as the offensive coordinator offers hope that the Chiefs’ offense will bounce back. Bieniemy was an instrumental figure in the team’s Super Bowl victories and Mahomes’ early development. His return could bring a sense of continuity and stability to the offense, helping the team to adapt to changes and get back to the offensive dominance they were known for.

However, no matter how the pieces fall into place, the Chiefs cannot afford to ignore the offensive line any longer. If the Chiefs want to make a Super Bowl run in 2026, it all starts up front. And with Mauigoa potentially available in the first round, the Chiefs’ decision to invest in the offensive line could be the move that keeps No. 15 upright for years to come.

Looking Ahead: Chiefs’ 2026 Offseason

The Kansas City Chiefs are entering an offseason full of difficult decisions. With an urgent need to protect their star quarterback and a list of other priorities, the team has to make the right moves to get back to Super Bowl contention.

The draft and free agency will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the offense. Whether they land Francis Mauigoa in the first round or address the running back situation, the Chiefs have an opportunity to bounce back from their early exit in the 2025 playoffs. For now, the hope is that the Chiefs make the right decisions to keep Patrick Mahomes upright and healthy—and a healthy Mahomes is a dangerous one.